Honduras: Human development for youth: overcoming the challenges of migration through employment

Despite the fact that Honduras has one of the highest growth rates in Latin America, 50% of its population lives below the poverty line. Indigenous people are particularly disadvantaged: in some communities, half of all indigenous youth are jobless. This Joint Programme created decent entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for vulnerable youth between the ages of 15 and 29. By incorporating these youth into the productive process, the programme sought to promote a sense of belonging and thus discourage irregular migration.

The initiative was based on improving youths' employability; promoting entrepreneurship through the creation of micro enterprises which focus on decent employment, promotion of business alliances and environmentally sustainable criteria; and reinforcing a sense of belonging and national identity.

The comprehensive strategy combined:

• A production chains approach with high potential to create decent employment;
• Eligible youth, preferably those who are socially vulnerable and from rural backgrounds, including the Lenca indigenous peoples; and
• An intervention area with high migration potential.

It promoted the strengthening of local institutions, agreements between businesses and educational centres, and training and succession plans in line with the local demand for labour. 

Main achievements included:

• A National Plan for the Generation of Decent Employment for youth was designed and made official by the President of the Republic. The plan forms part of the strategic and operational planning of public institutions and municipalities. 
• 2,182 youth were trained in entrepreneurship. Most presented their business plans to the Credit/Seed Capital Fund and 1,500 young people started their own businesses with technical assistance and monitoring. 
• Improvements in access to the labor market for young people: youth employment fairs were held in Comayagua and Marcalan, involving young entrepreneurs, youth associations and networks. Youth Territorial Employment Committees and municipal programs for children, adolescents and youth were organized.
• Awareness campaign was carried out on the participation of young women in the labor market.

Click for more detailed results from the Joint Programmes in Honduras (in Spanish).